Open vs. Closed Kitchen: Which One is Right for You?
Kitchens are the most used space in a home. They get a lot of traffic – it’s where family debates are settled, where you secretly take your midnight snacks and secretly dance to your favourite tunes. Kitchens have been through a lot of transformations over the years in terms of accessories, design, and functionality. Today, with the help of expert interior designers in Hyderabad, you can create a kitchen that perfectly suits your lifestyle and needs. But here’s the question: should you get an open kitchen or a closed one? Read on to learn which layout works best for you.
Open vs. closed kitchen: Concept
Open kitchens date back to the 20th century. Often merging seamlessly with the living and dining rooms, they foster a sense of connectivity and openness. Since they are open from one or more sides, open kitchens become the central hub of household activity. An open kitchen works well in medium- or large-sized kitchens and can be easily combined with a breakfast nook or island kitchen.
The closed kitchen is the traditional type. Unlike an open kitchen, a closed kitchen is enclosed by walls. It is a distinct space and provides a clear boundary between your cooking and other daily activities. They are like cooking shows where the chefs prepare dishes out of our sight, spread out all the cooking tools while making a mess of the space and then walk out with perfectly plated dishes. Usually, a closed kitchen is cut off from the rest of the living space and keeps your food prep separate.
Pros and Cons
An open kitchen is an ideal choice for small homes. Open kitchens encourage social interaction while also giving out a spacious feel. They have a contemporary touch which enhances the overall beauty of the house. Since there are no walls, open kitchens are a lot brighter and well-ventilated. An open kitchen design is visually appealing and significantly enhances the decor of a living room. They add elegance to the overall decor. It is also a great choice for people with kids, as they can keep an eye on them even when working in the kitchen. A closed kitchen, on the other hand, provides a private space. It keeps the noise and cooking smell confined. Moreover, since the closed kitchen is confined by walls, it offers more cabinet and storage space. Another advantage of the closed kitchen is that you get to cook food without distractions from the dining or living room area, and the guests do not get to see what’s inside the kitchen. For families preparing large meals, a closed kitchen can be an ideal choice.
Open and closed kitchens have their cons too. Since they come without walls, open kitchens could be noisy. If it doesn’t have proper ventilation and exhaust systems, the cooking smell can spread throughout the home. Open kitchens offer less privacy and lack storage space compared to closed kitchens. This lack of storage space invites clutter. A closed kitchen, on the other hand, is isolated and may feel smaller compared to an open kitchen. In design, they look outdated to modern home interior concepts. In small homes, a closed kitchen can make the place look smaller.
Cost
A closed kitchen is expensive due to the civil work involved in creating the walls and partitions. It also takes more cabinetry, which increases the overall interior design costs. The closed kitchen also requires ventilation systems, doors, heat, and odour management systems, as it is an enclosed space. An open kitchen is cost-effective as it creates a seamless transition to dining and living areas. They do not require excessive storage requirements. However, they require high maintenance and require high-performance ventilation systems which could eventually offset the cost savings. If you are looking to transform your home interiors and build an open kitchen by demolishing the walls, it can be an expensive process. However, an open kitchen can add value to the home, offering a better return on investment. Closed kitchens are the traditional type and are budget-friendly.
We have discussed the pros and cons of open and closed kitchens. Open kitchens are an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to have a welcoming atmosphere or those who have a small living space. If you value privacy and there is a lot of cooking, a closed kitchen might be the best option. Still finding it hard to choose between an open or closed kitchen? Experienced interior designers like D’LIFE Home Interiors can provide you with the best kitchen ideas that can cater to your needs. D’LIFE has a team of expert interior designers who can create a kitchen as per your lifestyle, preferences, and available space – a kitchen that works for you. Be it a closed kitchen layout or an open plan, D’LIFE can bring your vision to life.